Italy's EconMin Tria: 2019 deficit won’t rise if budget measures do not work

Economy Minister Giovanni Tria was out on the wires in the last hour, saying that deficit will not go above the target of 2.4% of GDP in 2019 and planned growth is conservative.

Additional quotes:

   •  Our role is to convince EU partners.
   •  The government does not plan "in any way" to leave Euro, EU.
   •  Italy/Germany yield spread puts pressure on banks even though the system is sound and bad loans have been cut.
   •  Italy's economic fundamentals do not justify the current spread level.
   •  Growth and social cohesion is the best antidote for uncertainty.
   •  There are signs of a worsening of the international outlook and of investment recovery.
   •  The budget aims to offset a slowdown in economic recovery and stimulate long-term growth.
   •  We cannot afford not to increase the deficit, its cost is sustainable and responsible.
   •  Growth pace below expectations, ‘fragile’.
   •  The budget law aimed at cutting the growth gap of Italy with EU.